Defense scores two TDs in dismantling of Jets

PHILADELPHIA >> The Philadelphia Eagles were the real Gang Green defense.

Nate Gerry returned an interception for a score, Orlando Scandrick took a strip-sack the distance and Philadelphia routed the New York Jets 31-6 on Sunday.

The Eagles (3-2) smothered third-string quarterback Luke Falk and overwhelmed New York’s offense on a day Carson Wentz was ordinary.

Wentz threw for 189 yards and one touchdown. Jordan Howard ran for 62 yards and one TD.

But Philly’s defense didn’t need much help.

“Our defense carried us,”

THE SCORE

Eagles 31, Jets 6 Up next for Eagles: The Eagles host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon. Howard said.

Brandon Graham had a career-high three of Philadelphia’s 10 sacks after he only had four last season. The performance was reminiscent of Buddy Ryan’s old defense led by Reggie White in the late 1980s. That unit was called the “Gang Green” defense, which has been the Jets’ team nickname for years.

“We finally got them sacks in a big way,” Graham said.

Sam Darnold missed his third straight game for the Jets (0-4) while he recovers from mononucleosis, so Falk made his second start after opening the season on New York’s practice squad. Falk threw two interceptions and was sacked nine times before leaving late in the game and being replaced by David Fales, who was re-signed by the Jets on Friday. Falk replaced Trevor Siemian — Darnold’s original backup — after he sustained a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2.

“I’m not going to make excuses. I have to perform better,” said Falk, who didn’t get snaps with the starters until Friday because the Jets hoped Darnold would be cleared to play.

Gerry gave the Eagles a 14-0 lead in the first quarter when

MATT ROURKE — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Philadelphia Eagles’ Rodney McLeod (23) is tackled by New York Jets’ Jamison Crowder (82) after interception a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday in Philadelphia.